The Hindu Community of Geelong INC plan to build temple in Lara

A Geelong based community group has embarked on an ambitious fundraising mission to build a temple for people of every “community or race.”

The Hindu Community of Geelong have commenced a fundraising campaign to build a temple in Lara. Picture: Supplied

A local religious group is raising funds to build the first Hindu temple in the Geelong region, with an emphasis on “promoting the spiritual growth” of residents.

The Hindu Community of Geelong INC is looking to buy land in Lara to develop a multipurpose facility that could serve as both a place of worship and meeting place.

This is despite the fact that the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal blocked a planning permit for a Hindu temple in Lara just two years ago.

That proposal, which was approved by the City of Greater Geelong, was brought forward by followers of the Hindu faith branch BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

It was denied because it was deemed “inconsistent” with the “predominantly rural living character of the area”.

Since April, The Hindu Community of Geelong INC have raised a few thousand dollars of their $2.5m target and are currently in talks with potential donors for further help.

The group has grand plans for the site — aiming to host events, activities for children and disability programs, as well as free meditation and yoga classes.

President Anand Dogra said “everyone is welcome”. Picture: Supplied

President Anand Dogra said they needed the backing of the community to be able to move forward.

“We want everyone’s support, standing with us and contributing in any sort of way,” he said.

“Our goals are big, but our resources are too short.”

Mr Dogra said the space would be available for anyone to use, regardless of their background.

“A lot of people are going to think because of the word Hindu that it means it’s only for Hindus.”

“Community doesn’t mean being from one background — community means the people around us … we welcome each and every individual.”

The sentiment is based on the ancient Hindu saying “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which translates to “the world is one family”.

Mr Dogra said the group wanted to build the temple would need a kitchen big enough to cook the massive quantities of food put on at the end of every gathering.

Secretary Raman Sharma said the community halls they currently hired out placed limitations on what they could do.

“There are some restrictions; we can’t serve people in a way that we are comfortable with so this facility will prevent that from happening,” he said.

Mr Sharma said the group’s mission was to create a location for everyone to come together.

The Hindu Community of Geelong INC have an architect working on designs for the temple and hope to secure a 2 hectare site to build it on.

Originally published as The Hindu Community of Geelong INC plan to build temple in Lara